Launched in Fall 2025, Take One is Cactus Plus’ new teen filmmaking course. The program follows a semester-long format with two instructors to guide the classes. The goal is to impart students with an understanding of all elements of the filmmaking process, find what areas of filmmaking interest them the most, make professional connections in the filmmaking community (locally and nationally/internationally), and build confidence as emerging filmmakers. The class accommodates 30 students each semester and registration will be free to all.
Take One aims to foster talent, connect students to broader communities of their interests and celebrate a culture of symbiotic arts education. This program is a crucial exercise in worldbuilding and will demonstrate that access to free equipment and educational resources transforms student experiences and creative communities.
Enrollment closed for fall 2025. Applications for a summer 2026 course will open in March 2026.
Please note that the application to enroll does not guarantee admission into the program. Depending on the number of applicants, there will be a selection process to ensure that we are serving students from across the city. A plurality of zip codes will inform this process.
- Designed for high school aged students
- 12-week program led by two instructors
- The goal is to impart students with an introductory understanding of many elements of the filmmaking process, find what areas of filmmaking interest them the most, make professional connections in the filmmaking community, and build confidence as emerging filmmakers
- The class will accommodate 30 students in a semester and registration will be free to all.
- Learn the basics of industry-standard editing software with included subscriptions to Adobe Premiere.
- MCTS pre-loaded bus passes provided as needed
- Classes on-site at Cactus Club inside our live room at 2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
- Weekly presentations from film professionals
- An overview of the filmmaking process- start to finish: pre-production, lighting/cinematography, directing, sound design, editing.
- End of semester student film showcase
